Improving Heart Health With Coq10 and Omega 3 Supplements

Cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death among Americans and Britons alike. Heart disease also kills more women than men, accounting for one in five female deaths. Even more startling, however, is that it claims responsibility for more deaths in women than all forms of cancer combined.

And yet there is surprisingly good news. Heart disease is one of the most preventable health conditions. In fact, people have the power to reduce many of their risks by simply avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, exercising often and taking certain supplements regularly.

Patients suffering from congestive heart failure exhibit impaired myocardial energy production and increased oxidative stress. One of the most important nutritional factors for myocardial energy production and the reduction of oxidative stress is CoQ10. It is found in virtually all cells of the human body, including the heart, liver, and skeletal muscles.

CoQ10 functions as a carrier to transfer electrons across the membrane of mitochondria (the energy generator in the body’s cells) to create the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the fuel that energizes cells in our body. Heart muscle cells have the greatest concentration of mitochondria at 5000 per cell.

“Molecular Aspects of Medicine” (18:S137) reported that patients with elevated cholesterol levels, who were taking either Pravastatin or Lovastatin over a period of 18 weeks, lost close to 30% of their total serum levels of CoQ10. Therefore, anyone taking prescription statin drugs to lower their cholesterol levels will also experience dramatic decreases in their CoQ10 counts as well and will need to supplement to attain adequate amounts. Additionally, research in patients with hypertension indicates that treatment with CoQ10 decreases blood pressure by diminishing the oxidative stress associated with congestive heart failure.

A recent review on the effects of omega 3 fatty acids concerning cardiovascular disease revealed that increased consumption of omega 3 fatty acids from fish or fish oil supplements, reduced the rate of mortality, cardiac and sudden death — even strokes.

Although the success levels were not quite the same as reported with the omega 3 fatty acids obtained from fish and fish oil, similar studies on flaxseed and walnuts have also been conducted with positive results for the same indications.

Other substances such as policosanol, phytosterols, L-carnitine, D-ribose, beta-glucans and tocotrienols can affect the positive outcome of cardiovascular disease when used in conjunction with a sensible diet and regular exercise. There are ample reports in the medical literature to justify their use in heart disease and stroke.

Personal heart health can be dramatically improved if an informed consumer is made aware of what is available in the market place. When paired together CoQ10 (http://www.nutriplusonline.co.uk/listman/listings/l0013.shtml)and essential fatty acids, i.e. omega 3 types (http://www.nutriplusonline.co.uk/listman/listings/l0016.shtml). go a long way toward achieving this.

Alternative Medicine for Bad Cholesterol

What exactly is this “Bad Cholesterol”?
Cholesterol is categorized under “Lipids” or “Fats”. They form part of the cell membranes and are very important in cellular functions. In the blood the fats are attached to proteins and they form groups of substances called lipoproteins.
*Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
*Very Low Density Lipoproteins (VLDL)
*High Density Lipoproteins (HDL)
Chylomicrons
Of these Low Density Lipoproteins are called ” Bad Cholesterol”. If the blood level of this bad cholesterol increases, it gets deposited along the walls of the blood vessels blocking the flow of blood. If the blood flow to heart is blocked it causes angina and myocardial infarction. If the blood flow to the brain is blocked it results in stroke.
On the contrary, High Density Lipoprotein is called ” Good Cholesterol” and it has protective function.The Alternative Medicine
Though statins rule the roost when it comes to bring down and controlling the blood levels of bad cholesterol, the option of using alternative medicine is always there for its effectiveness, lesser cost and minimal side effects.
Before contemplating alternative medical treatment for decreasing cholesterol, one should know the optimum levels and high-risk levels of cholesterol.Total cholesterol:
*
240mg/dL is high risk level
LDL Cholesterol:
*
160 is high risk level
The goal in people with higher risk factors for heart disease is less than 130 mg/dL. In patients who already have heart disease, the goal is under 100 mg/dL, according to FDA guidelines. And also one should increase the HDL levels or the good cholestrol. So now if you want to avoid statins and take only alterative medicine, then you have to follow two steps.1. Avoid foods rich in fats2.Take natural supplementsFatty foods to be avoided:
The highest cholesterol content is found in meat, poultry, shellfish, and dairy products. As far as possible these food items should be avoided.Natural supplements to bring down cholesterol levels:
There are numerous natural supplements, which are found, be effective in bringing down the cholesterol levels and it has been proved by many studies. Some of them are
*Beta Sitosterol: It is a plant sterol which reduce cholesterol levels
*Niacin: It is Vitamin B3 which lowers LDL cholesterol by 20%
*Fish oils
*Green Tea
*Psyllium and Flax seeds: These contain fibers which reduce the cholesterol levels
*Mangosteen and sytrinol: These are fruit extracts which reduce cholesterol levels
*Policosanol: it is derived from sugar cane and it reduces LDL cholesterol by nearly 25%
*Cholestin: It is a processed form of red yeast fermented with rice. Cholestin lowers LDL cholesterol by 20-30%. It also raises HDL.
*Soy protein: The isoflavones in it brings down LDL cholesterol by 10%
* Garlic: It reduces LDL cholesterol by 12%
*Aphanizomenon flosaquae (AFA): It is blue green algae, which reduces LDL cholesterol by 20%.
*Gugulipid an extract of Commiphora mukul, the gum resin of the mukul myrrh tree and Aspalathus linearis (Rooibos), a medicinal herb of South Africa are also effective
In addition to these supplements, the other treatment options available are diet regimens including Vegetarian diet, Asian diet, and Low Glycemic diet. A regular exercise will add to the beneficial outcome.

Cholesterol Facts

Cholesterol Facts

With all the news and warnings about the dangers of high cholesterol, many people view cholesterol as a “bad” substance that should be eliminated completely from our lives. In truth, cholesterol serves some important functions in the body. In order to understand how cholesterol affects the body, one must first understand what cholesterol is.

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is attached to the fats in our bloodstream and is present in all of the cells of the body. Cholesterol comes from food that we eat, as well as being manufactured directly by the liver. Cholesterol is an important regulator in the bloodstream, as it helps to regulate the formation of many cells as well as hormones. However, to have too high or too low of a cholesterol count in the blood can be a very dangerous factor, often leading to a heart attack or a stroke. Although cholesterol is prevalent in the blood stream, it cannot dissipate in the blood. The cholesterol maneuvers throughout the body attached to lipids (fats).There are two main types of cholesterol. The first type is called LDL cholesterol, and the other is HDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol, otherwise known as low-density lipoprotein, is considered the “dangerous” cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can build up on the artery walls. Over time this plaque build-up blocks blood flow, reducing circulation and causing stress and damage to the heart. This raises blood pressure, and eventually leads to heart disease or a heart attack. Individuals that have higher levels of LDL run a much higher risk of having heart disease. Although LDL is affected by genetics, there are several precautions that individuals can take towards keeping safe LDL levels.

The other form of cholesterol is HDL, or high-density lipoprotein. HDL is considered the “good” cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is important for the body to have as this type of cholesterol helps filter out LDL cholesterol from the lining of the arteries, as well as transporting fat in the bloodstream (triglycerides) to the liver so that it can be excreted from the body. It is believed that even having high levels of HDL is safe, as it can help protect one’s heart from a heart attack or stroke. Low counts of HDL could potentially lead to a heart attack and stroke, however this is rare for people eating a western-style diet, which is typically high in both forms of cholesterol.

Most of the cholesterol in our bodies comes from the foods we eat. Foods high in fats, particularly saturated and trans fats, contribute to high levels of LDL cholesterol. Meat and dairy products are the main sources of LDL cholesterol, while leafy vegetables, fruits, and nuts are more nutritious alternatives that have higher levels of HDL cholesterol. While genetics does play a role in cholesterol levels, a change in diet is the most effective way to lower dangerous cholesterol levels, and reduce your risk of heart disease and associated health problems.

Certain natural substances found in Vasacor, including plant sterols, fish oils, and policosanol have been shown in numerous clinical studies to be highly effective in promoting healthy cholesterol levels, particularly when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, now is the time to make a change, and Vasacor can help.

The Article is Originally Published Here: Cholesterol Facts